Question

Does caffeine or chocolate hurt an unborn baby?

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I will find out if I am pregnant in 3 days (10 days past ovulation) and since my husband and I are trying to get pregnant, even if I am not pregnant, I would like to do the best thing(s) for my unborn baby or "unborn" baby-to-be. Should I quit drinking coffee? - I know caffeine is a drug and chocolate just "seems" wrong.. I am doing everything else right - (I HOPE) - I take prenatal vitamins, folic acid, calcium enriched with vitamin D, and since through genetics I am anemic I take iron supplements (ferrous gluconate) I do have tourettes syndrome and high anxiety - and have months ago weened myself off of ALL psychiatric drugs - against doctor's orders - just to have a healthy baby.
Saying that, I would also like to know if it's okay to take niacin during pregnancy, and if so how much could I take? (I read it helps with tourettes "tics".) If not, I'll stay clear of that, too..
We just want a happy healthy baby and my husband and I believe we will do our best to be good parents

Mom Answers

Caffeine in large amounts have been linked to miscarriages. Most experts say if you need the caffeine to limit it to one or two cups of coffee per day. I wouldn't worry bout the chocolate there is not that much in there to pose a threat, plus its so good you will drive yourself crazy depriving yourself of it. As for Niacin, it should be okay because it's a vitamin, but talk to a doctor about a safe amount to take because too much of some vitamins can cause birth defects.

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